Criticism grows over 49ers decision to play Ray McDonald after domestic abuse charge

San Francisco is a progressive city that plots its own course and does not much care what the rest of the country thinks. The city’s football team, the 49ers, have chosen to ignore public sentiment and go their own way, letting defensive end Ray McDonald continue to play while waiting for his domestic abuse case to make its way through the legal system.

Ray McDonald is playing despite a domestic abuse charge because the San Francisco 49ers management says due process should be complete to decide if he should face any penalties. Ronald Martinez / Getty ImagesShow less

There has always been something charming about San Francisco, a progressive city that plots its own course and does not much care what the rest of the country thinks.

Then there is the city’s football team, the 49ers, who also have chosen to ignore public sentiment and go their own way, letting defensive end Ray McDonald continue to play while waiting for his domestic abuse case to make its way through the legal system.

Not so charming.

It is a puzzling stance taken by the 49ers, whose chief executive, Jed York; general manager, Trent Baalke; and coach Jim Harbaugh have all spoken publicly about “due process” and not judging McDonald too quickly. What?

Due process is a legal term, not an NFL by-law. The NFL can pretty much do what it wants with its players and usually does.

Over the past two weeks, the rest of the league have slowly but surely come to their senses, ultimately putting other convicted and/or charged players Ray Rice, Adrian Peterson, Greg Hardy and Jonathan Dwyer on the sidelines.

Former 49ers legends Jerry Rice, Ronnie Lott and Steve Young, as well as local politicians, have criticised the team over the McDonald case.

The 49ers response?

“We’re not going to flinch based on public speculation,” Harbaugh said.

This time, the city that revels in a go-it-alone philosophy is rightfully appalled by it.

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